Chapter 53 – The First Commission

Evelyn sat at her desk, staring at the message thread with Mia. Her fingers hovered over the keyboard, rereading the details Mia had sent about the painting she wanted—a cityscape at sunset, with warm hues and intricate details—something cozy yet vibrant.

Her first official commission.

The thought sent a thrill through her chest, but also a familiar pang of doubt. What if she messed it up? What if Mia didn't like it? What if—

A knock at her door snapped her out of her spiral.

"Come in!"

she called.

Adrian strolled in, as he often did, carrying a bag of takeout in one hand and his ever-present confidence in the other.

"Brought fuel for the new professional artist."

Evelyn rolled her eyes but couldn't fight the smile tugging at her lips.

"I haven't even started yet."

"Exactly why you need brain food."

He plopped down on her couch, pulling out two containers.

"I got your usual. Thought I'd save you the trouble of forgetting to eat."

She chuckled, sitting across from him and accepting the container.

"You act like I do that all the time."

Adrian shot her a knowing look.

"You do. And now that you have a real deadline, I figured I'd preemptively stop the self-neglect."

Evelyn sighed, but her heart warmed at his thoughtfulness.

"Thanks, Luka."

He smirked at the nickname but said nothing, instead taking a bite of his food.

"So, tell me about this masterpiece you're about to create."

She pulled her sketchbook closer, flipping to the rough concept she had drawn.

"Mia wants a cityscape at sunset. Lots of warm colors, but with cool undertones for balance. She mentioned she loves the way light reflects on water, so I'm thinking of adding a river or some reflective surface."

Adrian studied the sketch, nodding.

"That sounds amazing. And totally your style."

She tapped the page with her pencil.

"I just hope I can do it justice."

"You will."

His voice held no doubt, as always.

"And even if you overthink it—which you totally will—it's just one painting. Your first of many."

She exhaled slowly, letting his words settle. He was right. It wasn't about perfection; it was about taking the first step.

First Strokes

The next morning, Evelyn set up her workspace with newfound determination. She prepped her canvas, sketched the basic outlines, and selected her color palette.

With every brushstroke, the initial nervousness faded, replaced by the familiar comfort of painting.

She lost track of time, fully immersed in the process. The cityscape began to take form—buildings kissed by the golden glow of a setting sun, reflections dancing in a river that stretched through the composition. It was still rough, but she could see it, feel it.

Her phone buzzed, pulling her out of her zone. She glanced at the screen.

Mia: "Hope it's not too much pressure, but I'm so excited to see what you create!"

Evelyn hesitated before snapping a quick picture of the early layers and sending it. A moment later, Mia replied.

Mia: "OMG, Evelyn! It's already stunning!"

Warmth spread through her chest. Maybe she really could do this.

Celebrating Small Wins

That evening, Adrian showed up again, this time with ice cream.

"Progress check,"

he announced, handing her a pint of her favorite flavor before flopping onto her couch.

"How's it going?"

Evelyn grabbed a spoon and sat beside him, tucking her legs under herself.

"It's going well. Mia seems excited."

Adrian grinned.

"Told you."

She took a bite of ice cream, savoring the moment.

"It still feels surreal."

Adrian nudged her shoulder.

"Get used to it. You're kind of a big deal now."

She snorted.

"One commission doesn't make me a big deal."

"It's not just about the commission, Evie. It's about you finally believing in yourself."

She fell quiet for a moment, letting his words sink in. He was right. For the first time in a long time, she wasn't just painting for escape or survival.

She was painting because she wanted to. Because she loved it. And now, because someone else believed in her enough to trust her with their vision.

She smiled, looking over at him.

"You always know what to say."

Adrian smirked. "It's my talent."

Evelyn shook her head, laughing.

"Well, I guess I should thank you for being my unofficial life coach."

"I accept payment in artwork,"

he teased.

"I still expect my motorcycle painting, by the way."

She grinned.

"Noted. But it's going to be pink."

He groaned, making her laugh again.

As they sat there, eating ice cream and teasing each other, Evelyn realized something.

She wasn't just stepping into the light.

She was finally ready to stay in it.